Florence p



July 24, 1928.

.J. F. HORNE CLAMPING BAND Filed May 3, 1926 J71 U6 2? 1 01 J01; r I10 7 116 X5 M @110 FY3623] Patented July 24, 1928.

UNITED srA'rns rsiaszz PATENT QFFllEL JOHN F. HORNE, 0F PORTLAND, MAINE; FLORENCE P. DAVIS, OF PORTLAND, MAINE,

EXECUTRIX'OF SAZD JOHN E. HORNE, DECEASED.

CLAMPING BAND.

Application filed May 3,

This invention relates to improvements in clamping bands. More especially it relates to an improved clamping band particularly adapted for holding fabric straining mate rial on the outside of a straining nozzle. It is today well recognized in the dairy industry that the most efficient and practical method of straining milk requires the use of fabric, because such material thoroughly strains dirt and foreign matter from the milk. In fact this material is so effective and entraps such minute particles in its meshes that it is extremely difficult to thoroughly clean it, after being once used, and consequently at high grade farms a second use of the fabric is notpermitted, and in deed in many places the laws and health regulations forbid it. To insure compliance by the dairyman with this practice, the straining fabric is supplied in disc form only slightly larger than the nozzle with which it is to be used, so that when once used the natural shrinkage which follows makes it too small to be again placed across the nozzle. The very narrow margin which is accordingly available for clamping makes it imperative that the holding 1 cans be ex tremely ellicient and reliable, to prevent slippage of the fabric atany point around its periphery.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamping band which can hold. such a disc, with narrow clamping margin, on the outside of a nozzle. further object is to provide a band which can be adjusted prematurely to the bare nozzle so that when slipped on it, after the fabric disc has been placed across the opening, the fit of the band will. be tight enough to apply a drawing or stretching effect to the fabric and thus make the latter taut and even across the opening. The invention provides means at one edge of the band for limiting the extent to which it can be pressed onto the nozzle and for gripping the edge of the fabric throughout a greater portion of its margin than is possible with the ordinary exterior clamping bands heretofore used.

It is a further object to provide overlapping ends on the band so that it can be used with a. number of nozzles of different size, and to provide registering means associated with these overlapping ends so that when a premature setting of the band has been effected for any one nozzle and the relation 1926. Serial No. 106,300.

of the registering means noted, the band can thereafter be set for that nozzle without again prematurely fitting it thereto. A feature of the invention resides the gradual thinning or tapering of the inner of the overlapping band ends, so that there will be no gap between the band and the fabric.

In the preferred embodiment of the inventron it is also an object to provide for an ad ditional tightening of the band after it has been set to size and slipped over the nozzle with the aforesaid stretchim effect on the fabric. A very important object is to provide for instant separation of the band ends, without removal of the fastening means, to enable the band to be thoroughly and quickly cleaned. This feature of easy separability of the band ends enables all surfaces to be fully exposed, both to the cleaning agent, and to the view of the person overseeing the washing, thus insuring that the dirt can be got at and whetheror not it has been rcmoved, observed.

These objects and the features which cl aracterize the construction herein disclosed, are attained by providing a band of resilient metallic ribbon formed in a circle with its ends overlapping. The inner end is tapered or reduced gradually so that there no abrupt edge where the inner face of the band continues from the outside end onward along the inner end. The top edge, or edge that is outermost when the band is placed on the nozzle, is turned inward to fit the rounded edge of the nozzle. This inturned edge performs three important functions. First, it keeps the overlapped ends in parallelism when the band is being slipped on to the nozzle; second, it limits the degree to which the band can be slipped along the side of the nozzle, because it acts as a stop when brought up against the rounded edge of the latter; and third, it presses the straining fabric in surface contact throughout the area of curved surface against the rounded edge of the nozzle. This latter is im )ortant because it provides su'liicient gripping surface to clamp the peripheral margin of the fabric firmly to the nozzle, and thus makes possible the use on the outside of a nozzle of a disc so small that it can be used but once for straining. In applying this band, it is prematurely fitted to the bare nozzle, by adjusting the fastening means to bring the band in substantial contact with the side wall of the till nozzle. It is then removed, without chang ing the setting of the fastening means, the fabric disc is placed across the nozzle and then the band is slipped over the nozzle, sliding downward over the edge of the fabric and thus drawing the latter taut and even across the nozzle.

In the preferred embodiment of the invert tion the overlapping band ends are each provided with an outstanding arm and the arm on the inner end has an open slot extending from its outermost edge toward the band surface. The fastening means extend from the other arm through this slot and engages the sides thereof to hold the band ends together. hen this form of band has been placed on the nozzle, an additional tightening may be made by a setting up of the fastening means. This final tightening frietionally locks the band and fabric against slippage and prevents the band and all being knocked off in case the outstanding arms strike the rim of a container when rearwing the nozzle therefrom. When the band is removed from the nozzle, after a sh 'i loosening of the fastening means, the end can be pushed radially inward, the open slot permittinw separation of its arm from the fastening means without removal of l latter from the hand. Upon diseng gemen of the fastening means from the slotted arm, the resiliency of the metal causes the band ends to separate circumferentially thereby exposing all surfaces for cleaning.

In modified forms of the invention there are no outstanding arms on the band, but its overlapped ends are clamped together by clamping means secured to the inner end of the band and having a member movable against the outer end. In one form shown herein the clamping means is a screw and. nut, the former being anchored to the inner band end and the latter turning on the screw threads to press against the outer band end which is slotted centrally to ip by on both sides of the screw. In another form, a yoke or bridge attached to the edges of the inner band end and the outer end slips through it, there being a set screw threaded in the bridge to clamp the band ends to gether.

Registering means are provided on the overlapping ends so that after being once fitted to a bare nozzle, the band can there after he to fit this nozzle by simply fol-ring to the registering means. "he lattcr is preferably in the form of notches, one being cut in the inturned edge of the outer band end, and several being cut on the adjacent edge of the inner band end, corresponding to the different settings or relations of the ends when fitted to nozzles of different size. After being made, these notches can be used for prematurely fitting the band to any nozzle of the several for which the relation of the notches has been determined.

It is intended that the patent shall cover, by suitable expression in the appended claims, whatever features of patentable novelty exist in the invention disclosed.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective of the preferred form of clamping band embodying the present invention, showing the band applie to an inverted nozzle;

Figure 2 is a section, in elevation, on line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective showing the band of Figure 1 removed, with its ends separated for cleaning;

Figure i is a plan view of the preferred form of band ready to be applied to a nozzle;

Figure 5 is a perspective of a modification, and

Figure 6 is a perspective of another modification.

Referring to the drawings, the preferred form of clamping band comprises a strip of flat metallic ribbon 1O bent into circular form with its ends 12 and 14 overlapping. Outstanding arms 16 and 18 are provided on these ends, the arm 16 on the outer end being conveniently made by bending the end 12 of the band outward, while on the inner band end 14 a bracket piece is fastened to its outer surface to make the arm 18. The arm 16 on the outer end may have a hole 16 through which may pass loosely a. thumb screw, or the screw may be anchored to this arm, or there may be a nut 20 soldered to the arm, as shown, and a thumb screw 22 threaded through it. In either case the shank 22 of the screw spans the space between the arms and extends through a slot 18 in the opposing arm 18 on the inner end. This slot opens outward and is wide enough to allow the screw shank to pass through easily but the screw head spans the slot and engages the arm at the sides thereof so that as the head is turned the arms are drawn together.

In keeping with the better practice to-day the straining fabric 24 is supplied in disc form in size only slightly larger than the nozzle bottom 26 across which it is to be placed in order that the shrinkage which occurs after the fabric has been once used will make it too small to be used again. Incidentally, since the fabric is discarded after its single use it is economical to have it as small as possible to avoid undue wastage. here the fabric discs are used interiorly of a nozzle, the smallness of the disc is not of much consequence, but when used externally it is quiteanother matter. The clamping band of this invention is particularly adapted for holding the disc on the outside of the nozzle and holding it there securely.

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Ill?) Several features of the band contribute to the notable results attained. By providing overlapping ends, there is a continuous surface of the band available for pressing the edge of the fabric. To make this circumferential pressure uniform, and without interruption, the inner end 18 of the band is tapered or gradually reduced to a very thin edge 14" (see Figure 4) thereby avoiding any abrupt edge when the inner end terminates and avoiding the opening or space that would exist between the nozzle and the outer band end as the latter leaves the nozzle side and comes on to the inner band end. Thus is prevented any slippage of the fabric at the junction of the band ends.

In applying the band to a nozzle for the first time it is prematurely fitted before the fabric is laid across the opening, that is, the band is placed around the bare nozzle and the thumb screw 22 turned until the band is substantially in contact around the side wall 26 0f the nozzle. Then the band ends are thus positioned, opposednotches 28 and 28 are cut or filed in the outstanding edges of the overlapping bands. Thereafter whenever these two notches are brought into register the band will be set to fit that particular nozzle. By similarly adjusting the band to other nozzles, other notches 28, 28 and 28 may be cut opposite to the single notch 28 in the outer band end 12, the location of each being determined by the relation of the band ends, and the notches in turn indicating the setting of the ends corresponding to the different sizes of the several nozzles. These notches are very convenient because in the usually dark hours of morning or evening milking the user can determine the proper relation of the band ends when his finger nail falls into two opposed notches together, thus depending upon the sense of touch alone.

Having fitted the band to the bare nozzle, the fabric 24 is laid across the opening (the nozzle being inverted as in Figure l) with the edge 24: outstanding sli htly all around. The band is then pressed over the fabric and nozzle edge, and because prematurely fitted to the bare nozzle, it fits quite tightly on the interposed fabric. The band is then pushed onto the nozzle and because of the tightness mentioned it tends to draw the fabric along with it, and does in fact stretch it taut and evenly across the opening. This is important because by holding the fabric taut, it affords the maximum straining area through it, permits the great est speed of milk flow, and enables this flow to be distributed evenly throughout the straining area. Consequently, the dirt entrapped is likewise spread throughout this area instead of being concentrated in the center of the fabric it would be if the latter were permitted to bag or hang loosely. As a result, the milk passes by the scattered foreign matter caught by the fabric without absorbing the soluble portion thereof.

The nozzle 26 when .made is usually pressed, or spun upon. a formv which later must be withdrawn, and there is consequently a taper provided on the side of the form and a rounded edge at its end, both of which are imparted to the nozzle, making the latter smaller in diameter at its extreme end and with its edge 26" also rounded. If the band was simply a fiat strip it would be necessary to use a fabric disc large enough to extend down the side wall 26 of the nozzle where the flat surface of the superposed band could grip it. This is contrary-to the preferred practice and requirements where a disc only slightly larger than the nozzle opening is permitted to be used. Accordingly, with the limited sized disc, a flat band is entirely unsuitable because it can not be brought into surface contact with the disc to assure ample holding thereof. The present invention solves this problem by the provision of an inturned edge or flange 10 on the band, for this fits close around the rounded edge 26 of the nozzle, and presses against the fabric throughout a considerable area with surface contact. In practice it has been demonstrated that a disc of from five eighths to three-quarters of an inch less in diameter can be securely held by the flanged band, than could be held by a plain flat band.

This flange 10 is helpful, when pushing the band .on the nozzle, in keeping the overlapping ends' parallel since the flange of the outer end overlaps that of the inner end. Moreover the flange serves to limit the extent to which the band can be pushed onto the nozzle for when. brought into contact with the rounded edge 26 of the latter it functions as an effective stop against further movement of the band and thus insures its correct positioning. More important still, the flange or inturned edge 10- presses the fabric firmly against the rounded edge of the nozzle, thus adding considerable clamping area to that provided between the flat portion of the inner face of the band and the side wall of the nozzle. As the margin of the fabric disc allowed for clamping is very small and narrow it is of considerable benefit to have the flange 10 aid in the gripping of the disc. a

When the fabric and band have been thus applied the thumbscrcw 22 is given a tightening turn to lock even more securely the band to the nozzle. This final squeeze pre vents the band from being knocked off inadverently, and of course adds to the constrictive force exerted on the fabric.

To remove the band the thumbscrew is loosened a little and the band and fabric removed. The resiliency of the metal tends to make the band straighten out, and in consequence holds the slotted arm 18 against the screw head and the inner overlapping end 14 against the outer one 12. To effect complete separation, however, it is only nec essary to push the inner end radially inward, for the open slot 18 permits the screw shank 22 to pass out, and disengages its head rom contact with the arm 18. The band ends thereupon spring apart into the position shown in Figure 3, with all surfaces exposed for cleaning, and yet with all its parts in place ready to he assembler. Since the thumbscrew need not be unscrewed ranch time is savedboth in separating the ban ends and in putting them together again; and there is no danger of the screw being lost or missing when next wanted.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, the band 30 has its end 30" and 30 overlapping with the inn; one tapered and with the outer edge 30 of th band turned inward, but the i an arms are omitted. The outer L en is slotted as at 30 so that the portions beside the slot can pass by and under a til; 32 threaded onto a screw st m k31 i exteriorly to the inner band end 8t band can be prematurely fitted and the iris thereupon tightened to clamp the ends firmly together. Registering means are provided, as heretofore described. When properly this band is pushed down over the fab; c, drawing it taut and holding it securely for all ordinary usage.

111 Figure 6, a band 36 is shown with a different form of clamping means. A yoke or bridge 38 is attached to the edges .of the inner overlapping end, 36* and a portion 36 of the outer end 36 is narrowed so as to pass through the yoke. A set screw 4+0 is threaded through the bridge and can be tightened to clamp the band enos together when they have been prematurely fitted as described, or brought into proper relation as indicated by the registering means. In both this embodiment and that shown in Figure 5, the thumb screw or nut need lo loosened but little to permit complete separation of the band ends for cleaning.

Although particularly described in connection with a milk strainer. it is obvio :1 that a clamping band embodying the pr nvention could be used with any strainni nozzle on which the fabric is applied QXiriorly. The particular construction of the band makes it especially adapted for dairy use, where the fabric discs are supplied so near in size to the nozzle opening- The thinned overlapping end, the initial or premature fitting, and the turned in edge, all aid in applying uniform pressure to the fabric edge to stretch it taut and hold it tifit and evenly in place. The added constric ive pressure applied by the final setting-up of the thumb-screw 22 in the preferred form makes the holding secure against removal until desired. band ends can be separated, without removal of the fastening means, Warrants theband being thoroughly cleaned and kept sanitary, a very important feature in the straining of milk.

I claim:

1. A clamping band adapted to fit straining nozzles of different sizes comprising, in combination, a. split band formed in a circle with overlapping ends; fastening means for holding said overlapping ends together and. capable of adjustment to tit the band to a selected size of nozzle; means on each band end adapted to register with one another for indicating prior to placing the band on the nozzle when the proper adjustment of the fastening means has been effected to fit the band to said selected size of nozzle.

- 2. A clamping band adapted to fit straining nozzles of different sizes comprising, in combination, a split band formed in a circle with overlapping ends;'fastening means for holding said overlapping ends together a: d capable of adjustment to fit the band to a selected size of nozzle; and notches in the adjacent edges of the said band ends for indica-ting, when in register one with another, the proper adjustment of the fastening means to it the band to said selected size of nozzle.

3. A clamping band for holding a fabric disc exteriorly on a straining nozzle comprising, in combination, a split band formed in a circle with its ends overlapping and with a portion turned inward overlying the bottom edge of the nozzle; fastening means engaging its ends and adapted to be set to fit the band to said nozzle prior to clamping the fabric thereto; the said fasten ing means when so set being unyielding whereby the fitted band can be removed from the bare nozzle and subsequently pressed down over the fabric around the edge of the nozzle with constrictive pressure thereag'ainst; the said inturned portion ing by engagement with the nozzle edge to limit the extent to which the band can be pressed onto the nozzle.

4. A clamping band for holding a fabric disc exteriorly on a straining nozzle comprise ing, in combination, a split band formed in a circle with its ends overlapping; and Wltll one of its edges turned mward to form a flangefastenin means en aging its endst 7 Y b b c l,

And the ease with which the ill) pressure thereagainst; the said flange acting as a stop to limit the extent to which the band can be pressed onto the nozzle.

5. A clamping band for holding a fabric disc exteriorly on a straining nozzle having a rounded edge comprising, in combination, a split band formed in a circle with its ends overlapping and with one of its edges turned inward to form a flange; and fastening means for clamping the overlapping ends together; the said flan e being adapted to press the fabric in surface contact throughout the curved surface of the rounded edge.

6. A clamping band for a straining nozzle comprising, in. combination, a split band formed in a circle with its ends overlapping, and fastening means adjustably secured to one of and engaging the other of said overlapping ends for holding them together; the inner of said ends being gradually reduced in thickness toward its end whereby the fabric engaging surface of the band smooth throughout its extent; and said inner end having a portion provided with a slot whereby the end may be engaged with and disengaged from the fastenin means without changing the adjustment of the latter.

7. A split clamping band adapted to be pressed externally onto a straining nozzle having a rounded edge comprising, in combination, a trailing edge on said band having a portion. turned inward and shaped to make surface Contact with the said rounded edge of the nozzle to hold a straining fabric therebetween and to limit the extent to which the band can be pressed onto the nozzle; and means for drawing the split ends of the band together to increase the holding effect of the band.

8. A. split clamping band adapted to be pressed externally onto a straining nozzle to hold a fabric disk externally thereon, comprising, in combination, an extending end overlapping the split of the band and being reduced gradually in thickness toward its end so that when the band is drawn together about the nozzle, the inner surface of the band makes a true cylindrical surface throughout its extent; and means for so drawing the band together about the nozzle.

9. A clamping band for holding a fabric disc exteriorly on a straining nozzle comprising, in combination, a split band formed in a circle with its ends overlapping and with a portion along the band pressed inward out of the plane of the band in position to overlie the edge of the nozzle; and means for holding the said ends in overlapping relation .and adapted to be disengaged by moving the external overlapping end outward from the inner overlapping end; the said pressed-in portion acting as a stop to limit the extent to which the band can be pressed onto the nozzle.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature at Portland, Maine, this 28th day of April,

JOHN F. HORNE. 

